Grinding/squeaking/not a good sound coming from engine
 

Gents,

I noticed Thursday that my 07 X5 4.8i with 60k started making an odd sound. I didn't really think anything of it until I heard it again Friday when I went to work. I drove home after and the sound was the same and started it up again last night and it was ridiculous!

It is coming from the left side of the engine down by the AC compressor. It literally sounds like a rod or something internal has been thrown, but I checked the oil and I didn't notice any shavings and the car still runs like a champ and there are no lights on. Looking under the hood I noticed a lot of oily residue and metal shavings down near the AC unit. I am thinking a bearing in the AC compressor has failed and causing the sound. Cycling the AC on and off didn't really make a difference and it is still blowing cold!

I had it towed through BMW Assistance to the nearest dealership which is 160miles from my house. I have a CPO and just wondering if you all think that an AC compressor would be covered and has anyone else experienced this.

This is the first time that I am using the warranty an didn't really no the ropes and gotchas with it.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ak-squeal.html

I'll be watching for responses. None for my post yet. :)

Yea people on this forum aren't really much help. I'll let you know what they find with mine this week. Cheers!

Was'nt there a recall due to the staft & bearing on the Altenator, something to do with bad machining?

Yes, but then, there wouldn't be an oily residue.
Neither from the AC bearing.
The only oil present under the hood is Tranny, Power Steering, Engine and Brake (yes, and some ounces for the AC also).
Could be the power steering pump or reservoir ...

Really?

Cheers back at ya!

Isn't the power steering pump on the opposite side from the AC unit? And a reservoir wouldn't make noise. The liquid, oil, whatever it is, is on the front of the block near the AC.

Actually, I've had great success interacting with folks on this forum... most recently discussing trailer hitch selection and installation. As a result, my installation was performed without a (ahem) hitch. :)

I admit that remotely diagnosing a squeak is almost impossible. I had hoped that someone may have had a similar or identical issue and found a resolution. In this case, I will take a look at the alternator.

Thanks Watrob.

Cheers.

Could it be that this "oily residue" is simply road grime that just happens to be in the spot where metal shavings are? In other words, completely unrelated?

It could be but I am just throwing out ideas. The other side of the block is clean so that is why i am assuming it may be related. Obviously if I knew what the problem was I wouldn't ask the question. Just saying. I am more interested in hearing people's inputs with CPOs than anything else.